Fatty liver syndrome is a common liver complaint in Western countries such as Australia where it affects about 10% of the adult population. It is caused by a build up of fat in the liver that replaces healthy tissue triggering an enlargement of the other liver cells. In some instances this results in liver damage including cirrhosis.

 

The liver is the largest organ in the body sitting in the upper right hand side of the abdomen above the stomach. The liver acts as a filter removing toxins and processing nutrients.

 

In most instances a fatty liver doesn’t produce any symptoms until fat deposition progresses to account for about 10% of the total weight of the organ. Most commonly the sufferer will experience mild abdominal pain progressing to fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes) and a low level persistent fever.

 

Lifestyle habits are the most common cause of fatty liver syndrome. Obese people on high saturated fat diets are at highest risk of the illness. A lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption increase the likelihood of the malady developing and those suffering from illness are more likely to develop insulin resistance and Type two diabetes. The exact causes of fatty liver syndrome aren’t known as of two obese people with many of the same characteristics one may suffer from the malady whereas the other wont. Certain factors increase the incidence of fatty liver syndrome and these include pregnancy, high cholesterol levels and an under active thyroid gland.

 

Diagnosing fatty liver syndrome is generally done by a doctor who uses a variety of markers in making the final diagnosis including medical history including drug and alcohol use, physical examination, blood testing – specifically reviewing liver function and cholesterol levels, ultrasound and biopsy.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem but will likely include lifestyle modification (i.e. Lowering alcohol intake, improving dietary habits, weight loss and regular exercise). Making such changes will automatically improve insulin resistance and Type Two diabetes symptoms for those suffering from these ailments in addition to fatty liver syndrome. More advanced cases will require ongoing medical management including medication, drug and alcohol counselling and regular check-ups with the doctor.